Plants of Merit: Forest pansy

WHAT: Cercis Canadensis Forest pansy, an Eastern redbud commonly known as the forest pansy, is native to Missouri. It is a small deciduous tree, an excellent choice for urban landscapes and has multiseasonal appeal. Its leaves open a reddish purple with contrasting dark veins and are preceded by rosy pink flowers. Long seed pods develop after flowering and as fall approaches, the shimmering leaves take on a darker color. It is truly the tree that keeps on giving as the twigs have a reddish color that are most beautiful when set against snow. Before you know it, the cycle of beauty starts all over again, with its soft rosy flowers.SUN OR SHADE: Forest pansy likes full sun and tolerates some shade.SIZE: 20- by 30-feet tall, it spreads up to 25 feet wide over time.SEE IT: At the Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett; in the Urban Tree Walk adjacent to the parking lot. For more information, see the virtual photo tour on www.evergreenarboretum.com or call 425-257-8597.Source: Sandra Schumacher of Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens Foundation

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